Your Pregnancy Week 40

You

By this time, you probably don't care an awful lot about how much you measure. You feel you're as big as you could ever be, and you're ready to have your baby. You may continue to grow and even to get a little bit bigger until you have your baby. But don't be discouraged - only 5 per cent of babies are born on their due date, so don't be too disheartened you are still pregnant, take advantage of this time and rest. Also, finish any last minute projects before the hectic pace of life with a newborn settles in.

If you have older children, spend some extra time with them to reassure them you haven't forgotten about them. This may help to settle future jealousies in those first few weeks when baby comes home. Extra rest is very important, balance your bouts of energy with naps.

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Your baby

Baby is 51.2 cm long and weighs 3.5kg. Your baby has probably settled in to the birth canal and is awaiting final approach. He is taking regular naps and moving less, but ready and able to live outside of your uterus.

His immune system is still immature and he receives antibodies from the placenta and after birth he will receive antibodies continually from your breast milk. Most of the lanugo has fallen off his body, although you may still find some hidden spots, particularly in the creases, and around the shoulders or ears when you finally meet him.